From Concubine to Empress: The Ascent of Wu Zetian

Born in 624 CE in Wenshui (modern Shanxi province), Wu Zhao—later known as Wu Zetian—rose from humble origins as the daughter of a timber merchant turned military official under Emperor Gaozu of Tang. Selected at age 14 as a junior concubine (“Cairen”) for Emperor Taizong due to her beauty, she received the name “Wu Mei” (武媚), hinting at her seductive charm. After Taizong’s death in 649, she entered a Buddhist convent—a customary fate for childless imperial consorts.

Her life took a dramatic turn when Emperor Gaozong (Taizong’s son) visited the convent in 650. Their tearful reunion—documented in historical records—led to her return to court. This relationship, criticized by contemporaries like poet Luo Binwang as “defiling the imperial chambers,” reflected Tang dynasty’s complex attitudes toward gender and power.

Breaking the Celestial Ceiling: Political Mastery

Wu Zetian’s political career unfolded through extraordinary maneuvers:
– 656: Became Gaozong’s principal consort after allegedly killing her own infant to frame Empress Wang
– 660: Assumed regency as Gaozong’s health declined, establishing the “Two Saints” ruling system
– 690: Declared herself Emperor of Zhou Dynasty after a series of political purges

Her administration (690-705) maintained Tang’s golden age through:
– Institutional reforms: Created the “Palace Examination” system to recruit talent beyond aristocratic circles
– Economic policies: Reduced taxes, improved census accuracy, and stabilized grain prices
– Military expansion: Secured Central Asian trade routes and subdued Tibetan incursions

The Double Standard of Imperial Sexuality

Contemporary accusations of promiscuity—particularly in Luo Binwang’s inflammatory “Proclamation Against Wu”—must be contextualized:

### The “Scandal” of Succession
Critics condemned her relationships with both Taizong and Gaozong as incestuous. However, historian Chen Yinke notes Tang royalty’s partial Turkic heritage permitted such unions—a cultural norm among steppe nomads where levirate marriage was customary.

### The Case of the Male Favorites
Later records document her relationships with:
– Xue Huaiyi (685-695): Former peddler turned Buddhist abbot who supervised major construction projects
– Zhang Brothers (697-705): Musician siblings who allegedly influenced state affairs

While these relationships were sensationalized, they mirrored male emperors’ harem practices. As historian N. Harry Rothschild observes: “Her ‘indiscretions’ became scandalous precisely because she wielded power as a woman.”

Cultural Legacy: Beyond the “She-Devil” Trope

### Literary Demonization
Ming-Qing erotic novels like The Lord of Perfect Satisfaction fabricated salacious tales, overshadowing her governance achievements. This reflected Confucian anxiety about female authority.

### Modern Reappraisal
20th-century historians highlight:
– Feminist iconography: Her story inspired global suffragist movements
– Administrative innovations: Precursor to modern civil service exams
– Religious patronage: Commissioned the Longmen Grottoes’ monumental Buddha statue

Conclusion: Why Wu Zetian Still Matters

The controversy surrounding Wu Zetian reveals more about historical gender biases than her actual reign. As the only woman to rule China in her own name, she demonstrated that capability—not gender—determines leadership. Recent archaeological finds, like her deliberately blank memorial stele, suggest she anticipated posterity’s divided judgment. In an era debating female leadership globally, Wu Zetian’s legacy offers profound insights into power, perception, and historical memory.

(Word count: 1,287)